This is not your average French toast. It’s soft and custardy on the inside, golden on top, with tangy cream cheese and bright raspberry jam peeking out of every bite. It’s perfect for make-ahead mornings, brunch gatherings, or even holiday breakfast when you want something that feels extra-special without being fussy.
Why You’ll Love It
- Make-ahead friendly—prep the night before and bake in the morning
- Sweet, tangy, creamy, and just the right amount of indulgent
- Easy to assemble with simple ingredients
- Feeds a crowd
- Totally halal-friendly (no alcohol)
Time & Servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rest Time: Overnight (or at least 2 hours)
- Bake Time: 45–50 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour active, overnight passive
- Servings: 8–10
- Calories per serving: ~390
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread (about 14–16 oz), cubed
- 6 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
For the Cheesecake Swirl:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Raspberry Swirl:
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam (or preserves)
- Optional: 1/2 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
For Topping:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Optional: Maple syrup, whipped cream, or lemon zest
Use day-old bread if possible—it soaks up the custard better!
How to Make Raspberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole
1. Prep the Cream Cheese Mixture
- In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
2. Make the Custard
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
3. Assemble the Casserole
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add half of the cubed bread in an even layer.
- Dollop half the cream cheese mixture and swirl small spoonfuls of raspberry jam on top (add a few berries if using).
- Repeat with remaining bread, cream cheese mixture, and jam.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over everything, pressing the bread down lightly to soak.
4. Chill Overnight (or At Least 2 Hours)
- Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate overnight or for a minimum of 2 hours to allow the custard to soak into the bread.
5. Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Let casserole sit at room temp for 15–20 minutes.
- Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake another 15–20 minutes, until golden and puffed.
For extra crisp top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—but don’t walk away!
6. Serve Warm
- Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup or whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy.
- Add a little lemon zest for brightness (optional but SO good).
Serving Ideas
- With fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream
- A side of scrambled eggs or turkey sausage to balance the sweet
- Maple syrup or berry compote for extra sauce
- Hot coffee or citrusy tea to complement the richness
Variations & Add-Ins
- Berry medley: Mix in blueberries, blackberries, or strawberries
- Citrus twist: Add lemon or orange zest to the custard and cream cheese
- Nutty version: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds on top before baking
- Chocolate swirl: Add dollops of Nutella or dark chocolate chips
- Gluten-free: Use your favorite GF bread—just watch soaking time
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Make-ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Reheat: Warm slices in the microwave or oven (350°F for 10–15 mins)
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked casserole tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and bake as directed
FAQ
Can I use cream cheese straight from the fridge?
Let it soften first for easier mixing—you want it smooth for that swirl!
Can I make this without eggs?
You can try an egg substitute like Just Egg or a custard made with silken tofu, but texture may vary.
Is this halal?
Yes—there’s no alcohol, pork, or gelatin. Just use halal-certified dairy and bread.
Can I use low-fat dairy?
You can use 2% milk, but whole milk and cream give the best custardy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Raspberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole is sweet, creamy, and just a little bit fancy. It’s the perfect way to make breakfast or brunch feel special—without any stress in the morning. Bonus: it’s just as good reheated the next day (if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers!).
